Police IGP Ibrahim Idris disobeyed President Buhari when he spent a day in troubled Benue. He should be sacked in the morning.

President Muhammadu Buhari chuckled when he disclosed that Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris flouted presidential orders concerning relocating to Benue in January. But it is not a laughing matter.

“I’m not aware that the I-G did not spend 24 hours in the State as directed by me, I am getting to know in this meeting,” Buhari said as he showed up at a gathering of farmers, herdsmen, government officials, senators and members of the House of Representatives in Benue this week.

Bitter words

However, Benue Governor Samuel Ortom accused the nation’s police chief of taking sides once he touched down in the State. Days later, Ortom and the police boss were exchanging bitter words on internet pages.

“IGP Idris has now positioned himself not only as the mouthpiece of those who are killing Benue people, but indeed as their shield. Little wonder herdsmen still proudly carry sophisticated weapons and willfully terrorise innocent people in the State without being arrested”, Ortom alleged in a statement.

“We wish to place it on record that contrary to the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari that the Inspector-General of Police should relocate to Benue to ensure that the killings stop, the IGP spent only one day in Benue and left for a destination where only he could tell. No one has seen him in Benue since that day”, Ortom added.

Summon

“President Buhari today summoned the Inspector-General of Police to explain his flouting of the presidential order to remain in Benue State. The President has also asked for a comprehensive report on Police Operations in the affected States after which further decisions will be made”, a statement from the presidency read tersely.

This is hoping that during his meeting with Buhari, IGP Idris is told in clear, unmistakable terms that his services are no longer required. We expect the presidency to begin shopping for a replacement for the recalcitrant police boss before the meeting.

The position of IGP is a sensitive and serious one. Idris hasn’t really been stellar on the job since he succeeded Solomon Arase in June of 2016. His reign has been a controversial and scandal strewn one. At one point, Idris was accused of engaging in extra-marital affairs with female officersas a pre-condition for handing them promotions.